A great desire for a tranquil pause overlooking a beautiful place, sent us off to Lily Tarn on Loughrigg. Getting there was quite a plod but once on the bench seat beside the water, and with the water lilies now in full flower, we achieved what we were looking for – we hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Park in the main car park at the west end of Ambleside’s main street, grid reference 375047.

1 Turn left out of the car park and walk past the police station and then left down Stoney Lane. At its end take the hedged track bearing off half right. Follow this pleasing way as it leads you beside the tumbling Stock Ghyll Beck. At the end of the track, cross the stone arched Miller Bridge over the River Rothay. Bear right, cross the cattle grid and take a metalled way, left, leading steeply uphill. Take your time as you climb. Pass three dwellings arranged in an arc on your right. At the S-bend beyond, climb the stepped stile on the left into shady deciduous woodland.

2 All too soon, pass through a stile and cross a little bridge to take a long row of steps climbing up the steep slope ahead. Bear right at the top to walk a rather worn path through the bracken. Keep on the main path as it climbs and winds steadily half-left. Pause to enjoy the extensive views. Go through a kissing gate and walk on to pass on the left side of an almost dried out, but still boggy, small pond. Go straight up the slope and then follow the way as it drops to the edge of the Lily Tarn – a magical moment. Sit on the seat to take in the reflections of Todd Crag and the tree on the little island directly ahead.

3 Continue right along the side of the water and then on a very short way to take the first path, left, up through the bracken to a wall along the foot of Todd Crag. There is no way through the wall but the views are great. Carry on right, beside the wall on your left and descend steadily. Follow the grassy trod through the bracken as it bears half-right, cross a trod and go on through the bracken to join a solid track. Continue climbing with the wall to your left and craggy tops to your right.

4 Gradually the path drifts more to the right with fantastic views over to the Fairfield Horseshoe. Go on steadily right to pass through a kissing gate and continue. Follow the path as it drops down a gully to step across a stream. Beyond, climb to join a broad reinforced track and turn right. Stroll the wide way, climbing and then descending, to pass through a large gate. Continue on the track as it takes you beside a walled wood on the left and the on to the S-bend where you climbed the stile almost at the start of the walk. Wind around the bend and descend to the valley. Turn right, cross the bridge, left, and walk the track to the end of Stoney Lane. Turn left to reach the main road, and right to the car park.

Information

Distance: 3.5 miles

Time: 2-3 hours

Terrain: Many paths and a long track. Steep road climb. Wonderful views.

Map: OS Explorer OL 7

NB: Restrictions on space mean that this article provides a general summary of the route. It is advisable for anyone who plans to follow the walk to take a copy of the relevant Ordnance Survey map.